Removing Ford Emblem: Tailgate Camera Guide

Removing the Ford emblem from a tailgate with a camera can be a tricky process. The emblem is usually attached with clips and can be popped off with some force, but it's important to be careful not to break the clips or scratch the paint. Some methods include using a screwdriver to pry it off, heating it with a heat gun, or using fishing line to cut through the adhesive. Removing the access panel on the inside of the tailgate can also provide better access to the clips. It's recommended to refer to YouTube videos or forums for specific instructions and tips for different Ford models.

How to Remove Ford Emblem from Tailgate with Camera

Use a screwdriver to pry the emblem off

To remove the Ford emblem from your tailgate, you will need a screwdriver and a cloth. The process is relatively simple, but it requires careful execution to avoid damaging the surrounding paintwork or breaking the clips that hold the emblem in place.

Begin by placing the cloth over the emblem. This will protect the paintwork from scratches as you work. Take your screwdriver and gently insert it under the blue oval, where it meets the camera bezel. You should feel a notch that the screwdriver can grip. This is the attachment point for the clips holding the emblem.

Now, carefully apply force to the screwdriver, prying the emblem away from the tailgate. It should pop off with some effort, but be cautious not to use excessive force, as this may damage the clips or the paintwork. Work slowly and gently, prying a little at a time until the emblem comes free.

Once the emblem is removed, you will have access to the three bolts that hold the bezel in place. You can now proceed to replace or modify the emblem as desired. Remember to handle the removed emblem with care, as the plastic clips are delicate and can break easily.

It is worth noting that removing the front emblem is a more challenging process, requiring the removal of the entire grill and shutter system. If you plan to remove the front emblem as well, it is recommended to refer to a video guide or seek assistance from a Ford dealership.

Warm the emblem with a heat gun to soften the tape

Warming the emblem with a heat gun is an important step in removing the Ford emblem from your tailgate. The heat will help to soften the adhesive tape that holds the emblem in place, making it easier to pry off without damaging the surface of your vehicle.

To begin, set your heat gun to a low or medium setting. You don't want to risk damaging the paintwork or any surrounding components with excessive heat. Hold the heat gun a few inches away from the emblem and slowly move it back and forth, ensuring that you cover the entire surface of the emblem. You should also heat the surrounding area to ensure that the adhesive softens evenly.

As you heat the emblem, you may notice the adhesive beginning to melt or bubble slightly. This is a good sign that the heat is doing its job. Continue applying heat for a couple of minutes to ensure that the adhesive is sufficiently softened. If you're unsure, you can try gently probing the edge of the emblem with a plastic tool to see if it can be lifted. If it still feels firmly stuck, apply heat for a little longer.

Once the emblem is warm and the adhesive is softened, you can begin the process of prying it off. Using a plastic tool, such as a trim removal tool or a plastic pry bar, gently wedge it between the emblem and the tailgate, starting from one side. Be careful not to scratch or damage the paintwork. Work your way around the emblem, gradually prying and lifting as you go.

It's important to work slowly and carefully during this step to avoid breaking the emblem or damaging the paintwork. If you feel significant resistance, stop and reapply heat to ensure that the adhesive is soft enough to release the emblem. Remember that patience is key, and taking your time will help ensure a successful and damage-free removal.

Remove the access plate on the inside of the tailgate

To remove the access plate on the inside of the tailgate, you will need to open the tailgate and remove the bolts holding the plastic work centre in place. There are 13 torx bolts that need to be removed to access the plastic bolts holding the emblem in place. Once these are removed, you can then access the emblem from the rear.

Some people suggest removing the tailgate step assembly first, as it can get in the way and make it difficult to access the clips on the emblem. However, others have mentioned that it is not necessary to remove the step and that it is, in fact, a super easy process compared to the front emblem.

The key to successfully removing the emblem is to pinch the tabs from the rear under the access panel. Using a trim removal tool or a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the clips and undo them. You can also use a heat gun to warm the emblem and soften the adhesive tape, making it easier to pry off. Be careful not to apply too much force, as the clips can break easily.

It is recommended to have a dealer install the new emblem, especially for the front, as it can be more challenging. Additionally, the 360-degree camera may need to be calibrated after the new emblem is installed.

Use fishing line to cut through the adhesive

To remove the Ford emblem from your tailgate, you will need to cut through the adhesive attaching it to the car. One way to do this is by using fishing line. Fishing line can be extremely sharp and is able to cut through your skin with ease, so it should have no problem cutting through adhesive.

To start, wrap the fishing line around your fingers a few times, leaving a small length of line between your hand and the wrapped section. This will give you a sturdy grip and help you avoid accidentally wrapping the line around your fingers, which can lead to injury. Always wear gloves when handling fishing line to further protect your hands.

Next, locate the edge of the emblem and slide the fishing line between the emblem and the car body. You may need to gently pry the edge of the emblem away from the car to create a gap large enough for the line. Once the line is in place, begin sawing back and forth, applying pressure to cut through the adhesive. Work your way around the emblem, cutting through the adhesive as you go.

The process of cutting through the adhesive will likely take some time and effort, so be patient and careful not to damage the car's paintwork. Once you have cut through enough of the adhesive, you should be able to gently pry the emblem away from the car body. If needed, use a heat gun to warm the emblem and soften the adhesive, making it easier to remove.

Finally, once the emblem is removed, use a solvent or adhesive remover to clean any remaining adhesive from the car body and the emblem. This will ensure a smooth surface for any future modifications or paintwork.

Use a cloth to prevent scratching the paint

When removing the Ford emblem from your tailgate, it's important to take precautions to prevent scratching the paintwork. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:

Firstly, gather your tools. You will need a cloth, preferably a soft microfiber cloth, and a flat-head screwdriver. The screwdriver will be used to pry the emblem off, while the cloth will act as a protective barrier between the screwdriver and the paint surface. Place the cloth over the screwdriver to wrap it, ensuring that the metal part of the screwdriver is completely covered. This will help to prevent any accidental scratches to the paintwork during the removal process.

Next, locate the Ford emblem on the tailgate and position the covered screwdriver at its edge. Gently apply force to pry the emblem away from the body of the vehicle. Work your way around the edges of the emblem, using the screwdriver to carefully lift and pop it off. Be cautious not to use excessive force, as this could damage the paint or break the emblem. Take your time with this step, being gentle and patient to avoid any scratches.

As you work, be mindful of the clips holding the emblem in place. These clips can be fragile, so take care not to break them. If you feel significant resistance while prying, adjust your technique or angle to find a better leverage point. Remember, the goal is to remove the emblem without causing any damage to the surrounding paintwork or the emblem itself.

In addition to using a cloth-covered screwdriver, you can also use a thin, flat plastic tool to gently pry the emblem off. This type of tool is less likely to scratch the paint, but you should still exercise caution and maintain gentle pressure. Alternatively, you can use a piece of floss or fishing wire to remove the emblem. Insert the floss or wire behind the emblem and use a gentle sawing motion to work your way around the edges.

By following these steps and being cautious throughout the process, you can successfully remove the Ford emblem from your tailgate while preventing any scratches to the paintwork. Remember to work slowly, be gentle, and protect the paint surface at all times.

Frequently asked questions